Recap: Pathways to Success 2026 Connects Students with the Future of Natural Medicine

Published March 20, 2026

On February 25th, the Kenmore campus transformed into a bustling hub of professional opportunity for the annual Pathways to Success event. With classes excused from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., students from all disciplines; Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture and Eastern Sciences, and Nutrition, all gathered to bridge the gap between academic study and clinical practice.

The afternoon was a masterclass in professional development, featuring veteran practitioners, innovative healthcare technology, and the industry's leading supplement and diagnostic partners.

Insights from the Front Lines: Keynote and Panels

The event kicked off with a powerful keynote by Owen Miller, ND ('85) of the Holistic Health Clinic. As a Bastyr alumnus with decades of experience, Dr. Miller offered a roadmap for building a sustainable, heart-centered practice in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Following the keynote, breakout panels allowed students to dive deep into their specific fields:

AEAM Panel: Andrew Ball, LAc, Khairul Bhagwandin, LAc, and Susan Groller, LAc, discussed the integration of traditional wisdom with modern business structures.

MSN Panel: Brittney Hovsepian, RD, and Riana Giusti, RD, shared their journeys into specialized dietetics, including work with The Emily Program and Starkel Nutrition.

ND Panel: Janci Karp, ND, Lily Stokely, ND, and Jennifer Walters, ND, provided a candid look at life after graduation, ranging from first-responder wellness to complex integrative medicine.

Innovation on the Table: Meet Our Sponsors

The main floor was packed with corporate partners and clinical laboratories, many of whom offered exclusive resources and "goodies" to the Bastyr community.

Diagnostic Excellence

Testing is the backbone of personalized medicine.

DiagnosTechs, pioneers of the Adrenal Stress Index, made a significant splash by offering free student accounts and test kits for those currently enrolled in ND or Acupuncture programs.

Meanwhile, Genova Diagnostics showcased their industry-standard GI Effects® and hormonal profiles, providing students with the technical support needed to interpret complex patient data.

The Power of Whole-Food & Ayurvedic Nutrition

Standard Process, a 97-year-old leader in the field, shared their "seed-to-supplement" philosophy, highlighting their 1,000-acre organic farm.

For those interested in Eastern traditions, Ayush Herbs (founded by Bastyr alumni, the Sodhi brothers) demonstrated how they blend Ayurvedic energetics with Western research-backed botanicals.

Professional Grade Supplements

From Bioclinic Naturals' focus on mitochondrial health and ATP production to Energetix's spagyric botanicals and Pure Encapsulations' hypoallergenic standards, students were introduced to the highest tiers of the professional supplement industry.

Premier Research Labs also shared their "excipient-free" philosophy, emphasizing the purity and "would you eat it?" standard of their manufacturing.

The Business of Healing

Beyond medicine, the event focused on the "how-to" of running a practice.

Jane (Electronic Health Records): This modern EHR platform showed students how to automate scheduling and insurance billing, even featuring an integrated AI assistant to streamline administrative tasks.

NCMIC: As the primary malpractice carrier for the profession, NCMIC provided essential peace of mind, explaining how they protect the unique modalities used by natural health practitioners.

Advocacy: Both WAEMA and the WANP were on-site to emphasize the importance of legislative work. The WANP reminded students that membership is free for students, offering a vital gateway to networking events, lobby days, and the upcoming annual conference in May.

What's Next?

The day concluded with a high-energy Professional Development Presentation in Room 146 titled "Naturally Known." The session focused on personal branding and thought leadership, encouraging students to not just be practitioners, but to be the "voice" of natural health in their future communities.

Missed a connection?

Many of our sponsors and associations are still looking to connect with Bastyr students. Check the student portal for a full list of contact information and special student-only discount codes provided at the event.